Skilled Glendale Guardianship Attorney

Everyone needs help at different points in their lives. Whether it’s an adult or a minor, obtaining a formal guardianship can grant you crucial rights when taking care of another person. A Glendale guardianship lawyer can help your legal case and assist in navigating the necessary steps in probate court.

Khalaf Law Group has spent years advocating for the people of Pasadena, Glendale, and throughout Southern California in their family law matters. Our founder, Ted Khalaf, has decades of experience handling civil litigation, family law, business litigation, and personal injury. The cases he has represented range from minor divorce disagreements to contested custody disputes. He can use this diverse background of knowledge to make a positive impact on your case.

Overview of Guardianship Cases in California

Guardianship cases are an important tool to maintain the well-being of adults and children alike. In the fiscal year 2023–2024, there were 20,736 conservatorship and guardianship cases filed in courts throughout California. Of those, 5,954 were filed in Los Angeles County. In 2024, 9.1% of children exiting foster care were for a guardianship appointment.

Guardianship is a legal arrangement in which someone is granted legal authority to make decisions for a child they are not the parent of. These agreements consist of the guardian, who is given the decision-making privileges, and the child whom they are caring for.

These arrangements are made with careful consideration. They are necessary when extreme or challenging circumstances arise. These can be situations like those listed below:

A child is in unsafe conditions and needs a new primary caretaker established.
A child has a significant financial inheritance and needs it managed on their behalf.
An existing care arrangement for a child is no longer suitable and must be changed or reassigned.

When you need help arranging a case to establish guardianship, our trusted law firm is here to help. We’ve earned many positive reviews for handling these matters with the care, sensitivity, and attention to detail they command.

Our skilled legal team can work to gather the facts and present a strong case in favor of the guardianship arrangement you’re advocating for.

Where Guardianship Cases Are Handled in Glendale?

Glendale guardianship cases are processed through the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s probate division. While there is a branch in Glendale, it does not handle probate matters. You can file your case through the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, located at 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

While many people feel strongly about their mission to establish a guardianship arrangement for a child, they may be hesitant about the legal process. This can be for a few reasons, as listed below:

First-time in the legal system. Many people find that their move toward a guardianship arrangement is their first exposure to the legal system. While court locations and legal processes may bring a sense of uncertainty that can evoke nervousness, our law firm has the experience to guide you with confidence.

Uncertainty about the process. Even if you feel you know that a guardianship arrangement would benefit you or someone else, you may be inexperienced with guardianship laws. Our firm is familiar with California guardianship laws and has experience advocating for clients to establish fair resolutions that leave individuals and families better off.
A desire to know what lies ahead. Even if a person has been in court before, they may want to know how this particular type of case might unfold. While every case is different, our law firm can help you prepare, rehearse, and learn what to expect, so you feel more at ease as the case unfolds.

It’s also important to consider the role of Los Angeles court-appointed probate investigators, such as those from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), during the home visit phase.

During the home visit, investigators may observe the child’s living conditions to see if they are safe, stable, and suitable for the child’s healthy development.

They may also inquire about daily routines, review the guardian’s ability to provide care, and ask questions about the child’s education, medical needs, and overall well-being. Cooperating fully and providing accurate information can help the court make an informed decision regarding the proposed guardianship.

Types of Guardianship Cases in California

The parties involved, the extent of privileges sought, and complications can all change drastically between guardianship cases. The following are a few types of guardianship matters that the Khalaf Law Group can assist with.

Guardianship of the Person

These cases involve granting the guardian rights to make daily decisions for another, typically in a situation where a minor needs decision-making guidance that their parents are currently unable to give. These can include many day-to-day calls and discretion over key aspects of a child’s development, such as decisions regarding the areas listed below:

Education. A guardian may be able to choose where a child attends school, provide help with academic needs, and make suggestions about which academic path toward a career they should pursue.
Medical. Children may have a wide array of medical and dental needs as they grow and develop. Guardians may be given control by the court over these decisions, to help a child maintain key health metrics for their age group and get treatments for any specific conditions they may have.
Housing and daily care. Guardians may also get to choose where a child lives and be responsible for providing daily care in the form of meals, hygiene, and emotional support.

Parents may retain certain rights and have others delegated to guardians, depending on the facts of the case.

Guardianship of the Estate

This category centers around the financial interests of a party unable to handle its own estate. One example is if a child inherits a large sum of money or property. These cases involve paying bills, making investments, and general monetary management.

Unlike a guardian of the person, the guardian of the estate is responsible for protecting and managing the child’s finances and financial future. Duties often include paying approved expenses, investing assets prudently, maintaining detailed financial records, and submitting periodic accountings and reports to the probate court for review and approval.

A guardian in this arrangement may also be required to manage a child’s inheritance and trust payments, so that they don’t disqualify the child from certain public assistance programs with income limits. Some guardianship petitions seek both financial and personal rights.

Temporary (Emergency) vs. General Guardianships

California recognizes both temporary and general guardianships to address different circumstances. These options exist because of the often fast-changing and constantly evolving needs of children, the abilities of the adults who provide guardianship, as well as the capacity of parents to change and become more involved in their child’s upbringing.

A temporary guardianship is designed to provide immediate protection when a child faces an urgent situation, such as abandonment, abuse, neglect, or a caregiver’s sudden incapacity. These appointments are intended to be short-term and generally remain in effect until the court can hold a hearing on a general guardianship. In most guardianship cases, they last no longer than six months unless extended or otherwise ordered.

A general guardianship is a longer-term arrangement that remains in place until modified or terminated by the court or until the child reaches adulthood. This outcome can sometimes be easier to establish, as there may be more time to build it, and it can provide for more flexibility in terms of potential updates. It also allows for a balance of input between the child’s parents and their guardian.

When to Hire a Guardianship Lawyer?

Probate cases can be daunting, confounding, and difficult to go through on your own. You can hire a guardianship lawyer to assist you with each stage of your petition. Your Glendal guardianship attorney can be at your side from initial filing to court verdict. Some common services they can provide are listed below:

Initial filing of petitions and other paperwork. Legal counsel can draft your petitions and determine which model applies to your situation. Filing paperwork correctly and on time is crucial for starting your case properly. Our legal team has plenty of experience in this area, so we can streamline the process on your behalf.

Gathering supporting evidence. Information that demonstrates the need for guardianship, your ability to play that role, and your existing relationship with the child is necessary for a strong case. We can gather these pieces of evidence on your behalf. This part of the process is crucial for turning an emotionally driven argument into a fact-focused legal presentation that courts may be more likely to receive.
Representation in hearings. Court hearings can be stressful even when you are confident about a matter. Your lawyer can represent you both in and out of the courtroom for all interviews, meetings, and discussions required for your case.This support is extremely valuable for helping you withstand the emotional strain of bringing personal matters before the court. A skilled attorney can help you remain confident, dignified, and professional through these procedures, no matter how long they last or how complex they may be.
Advocating for you during litigation. If your petition is contested, your attorney can advocate for you throughout the lengthy litigation process and strive to find a resolution that matches your needs. Since cases can evolve quickly as new evidence emerges, additional debates are had, and judges make new suggestions, having a lawyer who can advise you while the matter is in motion is key to having your interests prioritized.

Matters of guardianship are usually tied to family relationships, where long-term ties and personal connections can lead to strong feelings and deep emotional investment. Our law firm helps to take the legal load off your shoulders, giving you a valuable resource you can count on from the moment you start your case until the final verdict.

FAQs

How Much Does a Guardianship Lawyer Cost in California?

How much your California guardianship lawyer costs depends on the complexity of your case, the extent of aid you require, and whether the petition is contested. A simple guardianship filing with a clearly established relationship between adult and child tends to be cheaper than a case where a parent contests your claim, and a trial is required. Khalaf Law Group can provide a rough estimate for your case’s costs in our initial consultation.

What Grounds Can Your Guardianship Request Be Denied in California?

There are several details involved in a California guardianship request that can be grounds for a denial. A court investigator, in most cases, reviews your background, including your social history, relationship with the child or conservatee, and your ability to provide care. Factors such as a felony background, especially if violent, and a history of substance abuse can be used as grounds to deny your request.

What Is the Difference Between Custody and Guardianship in California?

The main difference between custody and guardianship cases in California is the extent of authority and relationship between the guardian and the conservatee. Custody matters tend to be long-lasting agreements that center around a biological parent, whereas guardianship cases are for non-parental relatives or other parties looking out for a child. Another variance is the court in which each is processed. Guardianship petitions are filed through probate court, but custody is handled through family court.

How Long Do Guardianship Cases Take in California?

How long your California guardianship case takes to resolve is based on the type of petition, who the conservatee is, and whether it is contested. An emergency or temporary guardianship for an endangered minor may take several hours or days, whereas a contested adult conservatorship can take months. In our initial consultation, Khalaf Law Group can give a timeline based on the specific details of your situation.

Contact a Glendale Guardianship Attorney Who Is Experienced in Guardianship Cases

Khalaf Law Group understands how confusing and frustrating California guardianship cases can be. Our team has years of knowledge, experience, and skills that can make a positive impact on your case. We can address any concerns and problems that may arise in your petition.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation, during which we can discuss the details of your case and provide strategies on how to obtain the necessary legal authority. You may also visit our Pasadena office, located on South Catalina Avenue just off East Colorado Boulevard and a few blocks north of the California Institute of Technology.